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The Intelligent Retirement Podcast

The Intelligent Retirement Podcast

By: James M. Matthews
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Up your retirement IQ with host James M. Matthews and a community of fellow retirement "big brains" on a journey to a more Intelligent Retirement. You'll hear conversations with leading retirement industry professionals designed to help you take the guesswork out of planning for retirement, so you can finally feel confident you're not missing opportunities or leaving money on the table. Wave goodbye to those tired rules of thumb that leave your future up to chance, & instead get ready to spend more money, more safely, by saying hello to a more Intelligent Retirement. 7833408.1 Exp. 05/27James M. Matthews Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Becoming a Retirement Income Investor with Bob French, CFA
    Jul 22 2025

    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, Bob French, CFA, joins host James M. Matthews to discuss the nuances of investing for retirement, with a focus on the differences between pre-retirement and post-retirement investing. He highlights the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk, setting realistic expectations, return assumptions, and the various methodologies for retirement planning. Bob also explores the importance of risk tolerance, the distinction between technical and true liquidity, and the necessity of integrated strategies in retirement planning. Ultimately, he underscores that retirement should be viewed as a state of financial independence, where individuals have controlover their financial future.

    Key Takeaways

    • Investing for retirement involves different strategies both before and after retirement.
    • Sequence of returns risk can significantly impact retirement outcomes.
    • It's crucial to set conservative return assumptions for retirement planning.
    • Every financial plan is inherently uncertain and should be adaptable.
    • True liquidity considers not just access to funds but also their intended use.
    • Integrated strategies can provide a balanced approach to retirement planning.
    • Understanding personal risk tolerance is essential for effective retirement planning.
    • Preparing for retirement involves more than just financial calculations.
    • Retirement is about achieving financial independence and making informed personal choices.
    • Clients should be actively involved in their retirement planning process.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:24 Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk

    05:06 Setting Realistic Return Assumptions

    08:33 Retirement-Ready Portfolio Strategies

    20:04 The Illusion of Precision in Financial Planning

    21:06 Navigating the Unknowns of Financial Planning

    23:13 The Balance Between Planning and Preparing

    23:50 Understanding Longevity and Its Impact

    26:29 The Importance of Liquidity in Retirement

    31:00 Integrating Investment and Insurance Strategies

    38:02 Defining Retirement and Financial Independence

    Resources

    Parkwoods Wealth Partners

    RetirementResearcher

    8 Tips toBecoming a Retirement Investor

    Consolidated Planning

    Have a question? Visit us, at myintelligentretirement.com

    Disclosures

    This podcast is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind thatindividual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement,or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.
    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8198336.1 exp 07/2027.

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    52 mins
  • Back To Your Retirement Future, with Nikolas Badminton
    Jul 15 2025

    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, host James M. Matthews interviews best-selling author and futurist Nikolas Badminton, who discusses the evolving landscape of retirement planning in light of technological advancements, societal changes, and the importance of emotional wellness. Badminton emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace change, prepare for the future, and remain curious about new possibilities. He shares insights on the role of futurists in financial planning, the impact of public policy on retirement systems, and the significance of health and wellness in ensuring a fulfilling retirement. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive engagement in shaping one's future and the necessity of adapting to disruptive trends in the workforce.

    Key Takeaways

    • A futurist analyzes data to identify signals of change.

    • Financial advisors and futurists share a common goal of anticipating the future.

    • People often have mixed feelings about the future, ranging from excitement to fear.

    • History plays a crucial role in understanding potential future scenarios.

    • The future of work is evolving, with more people pursuing passion projects.

    • Health and wellness are critical components of retirement planning.

    • Public policy will need to adapt to changing demographics and retirement needs.

    • Disruptive trends like AI will reshape job markets and industries.

    • Curiosity and experimentation are essential for adapting to change.

    • Active participation in life is crucial for personal fulfillment.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Futurism and Its Relevance

    05:01 The Role of Financial Advisors as Futurists

    07:50 Navigating Fear and Excitement About the Future

    10:33 The Importance of History in Shaping the Future

    13:35 The Future of Work and Career Flexibility

    16:14 Embracing Change and Innovation

    19:10 Preparing for an Unpredictable Future in Retirement Planning

    26:18 Embracing Change and Future Planning

    30:25 Health and Longevity: Preparing for the Future

    32:32 The Role of Public Policy in Retirement

    37:35 Disruptive Trends and the Future of Work

    43:26 Advice for Future Generations

    45:08 Personal Reflections on Retirement and Future Aspirations


    Resources

    Futurist.com

    Nik’s best-selling book “Facing Our Futures: How foresight, futures design and strategy creates prosperity and growth”

    Nikolas Badminton on YouTube

    Consolidated Planning


    Send us your questions by visiting myintelligentretirement.com


    Disclosures

    This podcast is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.


    James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8107130.1 exp 07/2027.


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    53 mins
  • Finding True Happiness in Retirement with Brian Portnoy, Ph.D.
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode of the Intelligent Retirement Podcast, author and founder of Shaping Wealth, Brian Portnoy, Ph.D., discusses the concept of 'enough' in financial terms, emphasizing thatit is a decision rather than a number. He explores the psychology behind spending and saving, the importance of funded contentment, and the conflict between wanting more and having enough. The conversation also delves into theevolving nature of retirement, the significance of transitioning from work to a meaningful post-career life, and personal reflections on regret and fulfillment. Key Takeaways'Enough' is a mindset, not just a financialfigure.Spending is a skill that requires practice.Experiences tend to bring more happiness than material goods. The conflict between wanting more and having enough is a human condition.Retirement should be about transitioning to something meaningful, not just leaving work. Understanding your values is crucial forfinancial planning.The concept of funded contentment helps define a meaningful life.Regret often stems from missed opportunities rather than risks taken.Financial success does not always equate to life satisfaction. Planning for retirement should include reflections on legacy and purpose. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Finance and Wealth04:42 Understanding the Psychology of Spending10:18 The Concept of Funded Contentment15:17 Defining Enough: A Decision, Not a Number19:24 Financial Success vs. Life Satisfaction24:47 Hedonic Adaptation and the Ratchet Effect29:36 Retirement: From Work to Meaningful Living33:26 Evolving Concepts of Retirement and Longevity38:01 The Interplay of Financial and Personal Well-Being41:22 Geometry of Wealth: A Framework for True Wealth45:31 Personal Reflections on Funding Contentment49:40 Retiring To Something: A Mindset ShiftResourcesThe Geometry of Wealth: How to shape a life of money and meaningShaping WealthConnect with BrianConsolidated PlanningSend us your questions at myintelligentretirement.comDisclosuresThis podcast is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mindthat individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement,or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8096429.1, exp 07/2027.
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    1 hr
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